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Idea Generation and Development
Quick questions on Developing and refining ideas: N(A)-Level Design and Technology
8short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is choosing the idea fairly?Show answer
First, pick the idea that best meets the specification, with a reason. A fair method is a scoring table (sometimes called a decision matrix): list the specification points, score each idea against them, and add up. The highest total is chosen because it best fits the requirements, not because you like it most.
What is justifying each change?Show answer
Every change needs a reason linked to a problem or a specification point. "The base was widened from 80 mm to 120 mm to stop it tipping when loaded" is a justified change. Justification proves the change solves something real and lets the marker follow your thinking. Unexplained changes look random.
What is checking against the specification?Show answer
After each stage, check the design still meets the specification. Development can accidentally break a requirement, for example making something too large. Returning to the specification keeps the design on track and shows the iterative loop in action.
What are unexplained changes?Show answer
Every change needs a reason tied to a problem or specification point.
What is only one development stage?Show answer
Show a sequence of improvements so the design clearly evolves.
What is q1?Show answer
Name a fair method for choosing the best idea, and say what it compares against. [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Give one example of a justified development change. [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Explain why you should recheck the specification after each stage of development. [3 marks]